BRADENTON -- The Manatee County School District investigation of Manatee High baseball coach Dwayne Strong has been passed on to the Bradenton Police Department.

BPD Capt. William Fowler confirmed Thursday that Bradenton police are now handling the investigation.

"I cannot give details because it is still an open investigation," Fowler said.

The district began its investigation this month over alleged improprieties involving money.

At the school board meeting Oct. 14, parents rallied in support of Strong.

Rickey Reyes, parent and Little League coach at G.T. Bray Park Recreation Center, supported Strong calling him a role model for students.

Mike Micechero, who represents Manatee High's softball team, said parents took their daughters to train at The Sandlot@5-Tools Baseball, a business Strong owns. If a player did not have money to make the monthly payments to train, Strong would offer to allow them to cut the lawn to continue going to 5-Tools, he said.

Darian Oliver, a Manatee High student and baseball player, said he will continue to support his coach.

"The allegations ruined everything, not just the team but also the family," Oliver said.

During the investigation, Strong has not been permitted to have contact with his team.